Paris Packing List: Essential Things to Pack for a Stylish Trip to France
Ready to embark on a trip to one of the most stylish cities in the world?
Visiting Paris at least once is on many, if not most people’s bucket lists. There’s incredible food, fantastic fashion, some of the best art in the world (subjective of course), stunning architecture, and a wealth of history to explore. But what exactly should you pack when you go to Paris?
To that end, we’ve put together a detailed Paris packing list, just for you.
A Look At Paris’ Weather
Like most cities in Europe, Paris's weather changes according to four different seasons.
Spring is when things start to warm up and in summer, Paris can be quite hot and humid, often exceeding temperatures of 25 degrees Celsius. Entering fall or autumn, the weather starts to cool down, and you’ll want to pack thicker and warmer in winter as it can get freezing cold.
Here’s a table of Paris’s year-round weather and temperature:
| Season | Months | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | March - May | 12°C - 20°C |
| Summer | June - August | 13°C - 25°C |
| Fall | September - December | 8°C - 17°C |
| Winter | January - February | Up to 8°C |
Different months come with different weather and temperatures. With that in mind, your Paris packing list should align with the prevailing weather, otherwise you’ll be in for an uncomfortable trip.
How to Choose a Luggage for Paris
You can bring a suitcase, a backpack, or a light carry-on case for travelling to Paris, depending on your needs and the trip itself. Each one does of course come with its own pros and cons.
A suitcase is more spacious, great for bringing lots of clothes and possessions. But, it can be a real hassle when you’re passing through the cobblestoned streets and long flights of stairs. On the other hand, a backpack is great for walking around, but won’t exactly come with as much space as a suitcase or larger luggage.
A wheeled backpack is a great middle ground between a suitcase and a backpack. It’s versatile, allowing you to glide across flat surfaces with ease and transition seamlessly to a travel backpack when faced with uneven terrain or obstacles like stairs. This is a great option for Paris!
Your Day-to-Day Bag
A daily bag is essential for virtually every holiday! Picking the right one is a must.
Daypack or small backpack
A small backpack is essential, especially if your trip involves a lot of visits to monuments and tourist attractions where you may be required to open your bag for security reasons. Choose a small backpack that’s easy to carry, comfortable, and offers sufficient security for your belongings.
Handbag
For more style, you can opt for a handbag or a manbag. This fine addition can carry your belongings with ease and complement your outfits remarkably. That’s an important consideration when visiting Paris.
Fanny pack or travel wallet
If you’re a devotee of “minimalism”, a fanny pack is a great travel companion. It’s small, easy to reach, and easy to wander around. Some say it screams “I’m a tourist!”, but who cares? It’s comfortable, and that’s what matters, right?
What to put inside your bag
Now you’ve got your luggage and bags sorted, these are the essential items for any Paris packing list.
Travel documents
These essential documents should include your passport, ID, and travel insurance card/paperwork. If possible, leave the original ones at your hotel and bring photocopies or images on your phone, in case urgent matters arise when you’re travelling through the city.
Phone adapter and power bank
Make sure you pack a power plug adapter if you’re not from another European country. For more convenient travel, you might want to include a power bank on your Paris packing list to ensure that your devices stay charged while you're on the go. If you don’t have an adapter handy, you will be able to purchase one in Paris. It just might be expensive!
Local currency
Nowadays, card and tap payments are available in most places in Paris. However, some stores, bakeries, and cafés have a credit card minimum of 5, 10, or 15 euros. If you plan to make some small purchases, such as an espresso or a croissant, bring some cash just in case. You can keep it secure in a quality travel wallet.
Reusable water bottle
Plastic bottles are bad for the environment! Tap water in Paris, however, is considered safe, so try to bring a reusable water bottle during your visit and make the most of the numerous taps and refill stations throughout the city.
Personal medications
Reduce the risk of having problems with your personal medication while you're travelling by bringing some extra doses in your bag at all times. Keep a copy of your prescription or a note from your healthcare provider just in case it’s lost.
Sun cream
Depending on how sunny it is, make sure to pack sunscreen so you can be more confident in your skin protection.
Foldable umbrella or raincoat
Don’t learn it the hard way. You can expect rain in any season in Paris so pack a foldable umbrella in your bag. If you’re not the umbrella type, get a raincoat for a more versatile option.
Clothing essentials
You should pack a range of clothing, depending on the time of year.
Several pairs of tops for layering
Comfortable and casual, yet stylish — that’s the key when selecting several pairs of tops for layering. Quality t-shirts are great for your base layer, while cardigans can be a good touch-up for that classy feel. If it’s getting a bit chilly, pack long-sleeve shirts into your luggage.
Light sweater or jacket or blazer
Even when it’s not cold outside, an item of outerwear like a sweater, jacket, or blazer is something you might want to include in your travel wardrobe. This addition can add a touch of sophistication to a range of different outfits.
Jeans or trousers
Find trousers that mix well with your choice of tops. Jeans are a good choice if you want a versatile and comfortable option that works well with a range of different styles and outfits.
Pairs of socks
You’ll be walking a lot in Paris and smelly or sweaty feet are definitely the last thing you want! Pack plenty of pairs of good socks to keep your feet feeling fresh.
Comfortable shoes
In addition to socks, comfortable shoes are crucial for ensuring a pleasant travel experience. Pack a pair of trainers for days out in the city, and some nicer shoes for dinners and nights out.
Dressier clothes
There’s plenty of opportunity to party in Paris. To enjoy each fine establishment, you’ll want to include multiple dresses or shirts in your luggage.
Accessories
There are a few accessories you should add to make the most of your trip to Paris.
Scarf
A light scarf is a staple accessory in Paris. It’s a great addition to your wardrobe to complement the texture or colour of your overall appearance.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a functional, yet stylish accessory that can add a touch of glamour to your look while protecting your eyes from the sun. Choose a pair of sunglasses that complement the shape of your face and fits well with the overall aesthetic you want to achieve.
Travel Toiletries
You can find all the toiletries you need in the city. However, it will be convenient to pack some preferred brands from home for hassle-free shopping. This includes certain feminine products for women, face wash, or skin care products. Check out the travel essentials for women article!
